Crispy Mushroom and Ricotta Toast

Crispy Mushroom and Ricotta Toast is the perfect side to make a soup night at home feel like an intimate bistro-inspired meal. Earthy mushrooms on top of creamy lemony ricotta and crispy toast with a hit of lemon zest on top give loads of flavor with each bite!

The avocado toast revolution is here to stay–it’s become so ubiquitous I just assume any breakfast restaurant I visit is going to have its own spin on avocado toast. I don’t mind, though–I love a good, lemony avocado toast.

When dreaming up my grown up roasted cherry and balsamic tomato soup for my Cozy Couples Soup Night, I knew I wanted something on the side that was giving bistro vibes. A whole sandwich seemed like it would steal the soup’s thunder. A grilled cheese felt so obvious. So I landed on the idea of a savory toast and felt like this was going to be good. Nothing gives savory umami flavor like mushrooms, so the next steps were obvious.

What I love about this Crispy Mushroom and Ricotta Toast is that it brings in those earthy mushroom notes but doesn’t fail to deliver something that’s also creamy and cheesy with the layer of ricotta. Just like the tomato soup got a grown up glow up, so does the grilled cheese with this stunning toast.

The fresh lemon is really key to this toast. The lemon juice brings out the creaminess in the ricotta. And then I top the toast with a sprinkle of lemon zest, which drives home that fresh flavor. This is a nourishing accompaniment to my roasted cherry tomato soup, brings those bistro vibes, and makes the whole meal feel unfussy and well-rounded.

Choose wisely on the bread for this toast. I went with a bistro-style thick cut bread. But a brioche here would give you even more crunch. A seeded bread would make this feel more wholesome. A crunchy sliced baguette could make this perfect for appetizers.

Though this recipe is simple to assemble, the end product gives a feeling of thoughtfulness. Each layer contributes to each bite of toast. This will be an impressive way to keep things laid back and elegant with a loved one.

Tips and Tricks

• The mushroom toast can be served hot or room temperature–delicious either way.
• A drizzle of balsamic syrup on top of the toasts would add another flavor component and complement the balsamic in the tomato soup nicely.
• Shaved parmesan or arugula salad would also be delicious on top of these mushroom toasts, particularly if you are enjoying them as a meal on their own.
• Rather than ricotta cheese, try this with goat cheese crumbles or a slice of fontina melted on top.
• Transform these toasts into appetizers by using small, toasted baguette slices.
• Do not wash the mushrooms before cooking them. Instead use a damp paper towel to clean off any dirt. Washing them will make the mushrooms rubbery.
• Do not add the salt to the mushrooms earlier than recommended. Salting them too early will release their juices and make them watery.

The Full Menu

If you’d like to include the Crispy Mushroom and Ricotta Toast as part of my Cozy Couples Soup Night at Home, click here. The full menu features a delicious roasted cherry and balsamic tomato soup and a gin and tonic with a fresh, juicy blood orange note.

For the rest of my romantic recipes, check out my recipe page. And check back here for more menu, hosting, and recipe inspiration for a touch of romance!